A/N: Don't even ask. I blame the jet lag. Bookverse.

Disclaimer: I do not own this scene, however much I may have mutilated it.

Galinda

Breathe in. Breathe out. Check the perfume- overpowering as always. Walk by a window- hair in place? Every curl. Batter your eyelids for the college boys- there, one of them winked. That's the effect we want, right? Move on. Places to be, places to be seen. Where could that darned Ama Clutch be? For Goodness's sake, how long could it possibly take to remove a single nail? Never mind her. Make an entrance. Where are those doors again? Ask the goat, wait, Goat, for directions. No, don't walk me in, stuffy old professor- that would hardly make a desirable first impression. All right, down this corridor, rich oaken panels. Just raise your knuckles- admire the pallidity of your wrist in the sunlight- and open the door-

Elphaba

Head high. Above all else, remember. Head high. Ignore the obvious poverty your attire suggests, walk quickly toward the room. A Madame Morrible- headmistress. She is who we need to concentrate on- not this gallery of youthful vanity and snobbery. Scowl at that boy, he was obviously not winking at you. Exhibition A demonstrating another reason you do not belong at this institute- look at the girl walking ahead. How long must she have spent curling that hair this morning? That bouncing, golden hair. See how it flows, draped along her neck. Gorgeous hair. Wait- what? No, no, no, no. Clear your head, Elphaba Thropp. We are here to learn. It seems she is making the same route as I, how lucky. She pauses at the door- is she staring at her arm? - and adjusts her smile. How odd. Look, she's walked in now- rid yourself of that image immediately, please- and we follow.

Galinda

So many faces! And not all of them handsome. It would seem as though I've the monopoly on looks here- much as I'd expected, of course. Enter the room to stuffy silence, as every form turns to evaluate the new arrival. Me. Smile sweetly, search for future ties- yes, the diamonds in the corner seem acceptable. Walk quietly over to the grinning, fish-like woman- shake hands- be dainty!- and try to move nearer to the diamond girls. Swing your hips ever so slightly, let your hair catch the light- and oh Oz! Why are they screaming?

Elphaba

Brace yourself. Keep that chin up! It's sharp for a reason. Step in, proudly but not overstated. Hold for a second- and there are the screams. Keep your expression constant. Look only at the adult in the room, Morrible- sweet Oz, what happened to the woman's face?- introduce yourself. Oh, but she knows you! There, your whole title for the entire room to hear. How pathetic, the fake friendliness that accompanies power. Saunter to the back of the room, ignore their gazes. We've suffered them long enough, have we not? Study your hands. Don't blush!

Galinda

What isshe? How marvelous! To be actually green! How unfortunate, and yet how interesting! Don't stare now, that would bring you down to their level. I wish they would not gape so. The girl, Elphaba, Morrible said, the Eminent Thropp Third Descending, is no display in a circus. What atrocious behaviour for people of our upbringing. Oh, steal one more glance!

Elphaba

Look up once- just once- catch the blonde girl's gaze. She is embarrassed to have been caught staring. But look at her eyes! Could they possibly be more beautiful than that flaxen hair? Like sapphire, but deeper, brighter... Elphaba! Stop!

Galinda

She sees me! So mysterious, so foreign! And there is a danger, a beauty in her countenance. Why has my heart began to race? Look away, you foolish girl. She is already an undesirable, you can see that. Arch your neck, flip your hair prettily- wait, no. Don't. Who are you impressing? Oh, the fish woman is speaking again. Roommates. Something about roommates. Concentrate.

Elphaba

Do not train your eyes on her back. Look forward, up, down, anywhere but the nape of her neck. Don't even think about that. Why is she flipping her hair?

Galinda

Is she still looking?

Elphaba

Is she still looking?

***

"Miss Elphaba! Miss Galinda! Are you listening to me at all?"